I’m slowly making my way through this Mary Oliver collection because once upon a time I wanted to add more poetry to my life. It was supposed to be an every morning exercise, but now it’s once in a while. I recently finished two more sections, and here are here are my thoughts/interpretations..
(I AM NOT AN ENGLISH MAJOR. I MIGHT BE WRONG. THIS IS AN EXERCISE FOR ME.)
A Thousand Mornings, 2012
(I read this collection on its own in 2018!)
I go down to the shore: our problems are inconsequential to nature
I Happened to be Standing: Does nature pray? Depends on how you define prayer. Maybe yes, if prayer equals enthusiasm
Three Things to Remember: Rules are fluid
Lines Written in the Days of Growing Darkness: You have to go through winter to be able to enjoy spring. This is one of my favorites that I knew before reading the collection
An Old Stag: Spring comes all by itself, no matter what
The Instant: We’re all a little shy
Tides: The tides are constantly in motion even as we admire the ocean’s calm
The Poet Compares Human Nature to the Ocean From Which We Came: The sea contains all emotions, as do we
Life Story: Life mirrors nature in all forms. We go from water beings to air beings
Varansi: describes the holiness of a ritual at the Ganges river; the holiness being the oneness of the person with the river
Swan, 2010
I worried: Worrying does NOTHING. Spend your worrying time DOING things instead. (This one made me cry.)
I own a house: Material things keep you from enjoying nature. And houses are expensive
Don’t Hesitate: If you feel joy unexpectedly, give in because it’s all we may have in a bleak world
Swan: Witnessing a swan is a multi-sensory experience of beauty that can inspire you to change your life
Passing the Unworked Field: There is much to be admired even in the humble and non-showy wildflowers
How I go to the Woods: She views the woods with reverence as some would view a church. Being in the woods is a form of quiet observation and worship.
Previously:
Mary Oliver Blue Horses & Dog Songs
Mary Oliver Felicity
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